The closed-door workshop titled “China–Russia Relations and Their Prospects in the Trump 2.0 Era” was held on March 25, 2025, by the John Lukacs Institute for Strategy and Politics, featuring Paul J. Bolt, professor of political science at the United States Air Force Academy Academy and a Fulbright scholar at Ludovika University of Public Service, as keynote speaker. In his presentation, Bolt offered a nuanced analysis of the China–Russia relationship, examining the structural foundations of their strategic alignment, the frictions and limits within the partnership, and the potential impact of a second Trump administration on bilateral cooperation.
The event brought together Hungarian and international scholars affiliated with domestic institutions, all with expertise in international relations, power dynamics, and global security. Moderated by Viktor Eszterhai, the discussion provided a platform for critical reflection and exchange. Participants explored how the China–Russia relationship is embedded within competing visions of international order, assessed possible trajectories shaped by both internal political developments and external geopolitical pressures, and debated the influence of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the evolution of their cooperation.
Rather than offering definitive answers, the workshop helped sharpen key questions and expand perspectives on a strategic partnership that is reshaping the global landscape.